The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 22, 2012
Filed:
May. 21, 2008
Donald Klemen, Carmel, IN (US);
Alan G. Holmes, Clarkston, MI (US);
Brendan M. Conlon, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
James D. Hendrickson, Belleville, MI (US);
Norman K. Bucknor, Troy, MI (US);
Michael R. Schmidt, Springfield, MO (US);
Donald Klemen, Carmel, IN (US);
Alan G. Holmes, Clarkston, MI (US);
Brendan M. Conlon, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
James D. Hendrickson, Belleville, MI (US);
Norman K. Bucknor, Troy, MI (US);
Michael R. Schmidt, Springfield, MO (US);
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
An electric torque converter has a torque converter input member connected to the first node of a differential gear set representable by a lever diagram having first, second, and third nodes. A motor/generator is connected to the second node. The third node is connected to an input member of a transmission gearing arrangement. A brake is selectively engagable to ground the first node to a stationary member. Engagement of the brake provides a regenerative braking mode and an electric-only driving mode, with the motor/generator connected to the transmission gearing arrangement through the differential gear set. Various clutches may be provided for lock-up or selective connection of the engine, including arrangements which reduce motor/generator torque required for engine starting while in electric-only driving. A method of operating a vehicle maintains the engine speed at an optimum level to the extent possible given battery charge levels and operator commands.